Low-cost outdoor antenna radiation pattern measurement

A low-cost outdoor antenna radiation pattern measurement technique is proposed. This technique can be used with a low-cost scalar spectrum analyzer with no storage system. Data acquisition is carried out using a video camera to capture the readings on the spectrum analyzer's display. A software package is developed to automatically convert the captured images into the amplitude data of the measured signal. This technique has been found useful when sophisticated radiation pattern measurement facility for high-gain antennas is not available.